Latest news with #BillChristian
Yahoo
23-05-2025
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EDITORIAL: A day to celebrate heroes
May 22—For the South Point School District, the 2024-25 school year was a tumultuous one. Only a few months after students returned in the fall, the region was shocked by the news that an attacker struck at the elementary school, stabbing principal Bill Christian and attempting to gain access to the school. Fortunately, first responders were quick to arrive on the scene and the suspect was apprehended, without causing physical harm to the children (he was later found guilty and sentenced to prison for the attack). In the aftermath, the elementary school was closed for two weeks. But, as is so often in a dark moment, the light of the community began to shine through. The community rallied in support of Christian, who fully recovered and was back on the job before long. And the district made a point to ease parent concerns on school safety and kept resource officers in the schools as a regular presence. Last week, as the school year was winding down, South Point Elementary got a chance to say thank you to the first responders who came on the scene, hosting a Heroes Parade and inviting police, fire and others to join in. It was at that parade that Christian delivered cards, made by the students in October, to the first responders for their work. And many students and faculty took the initiative to use the event to commend Christian, with signs along the procession honoring him as a hero. It was a bright conclusion to what was a harrowing day for the district and we at The Tribune also salute the first responders, Christian and South Point teachers and faculty for all that they have done for the children. You Might Like Business Blast from the past Education Meet the Class: Kelsie Waller News A storied career News Parade events kick off Thursday
Yahoo
22-05-2025
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Celebrating heroes
May 21—South Point Elementary School honors first responders with parade SOUTH POINT — Last fall, South Point Elementary was in the headlines due to a frightening incident, but, on Thursday, the school year began winding down with a celebration and display of appreciation for those who got the community through a difficult time. The school hosted a Heroes Day Parade, in which students and faculty thanked police and first responders. Students from each of the school's classes walked the streets surrounding campus, dressed as police, firefighter, doctors, nurses and other personnel, or wore red, white and blue outfits. They were joined by the South Point High School Band of Gold, as well as vehicles and personnel from the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, the South Point Police Department, the South Point Fire Department and other first responders. Principal Bill Christian said the parade also served as a makeup of sorts for the school's annual Halloween parade, normally a popular draw. That event did not happen this year, as the school was closed for two weeks after an Oct. 24 incident, in which police were called there during the school day after a parent, seeking access to the building in a custody dispute, stabbed Christian and made his way to the school's cafeteria. Joshua Collins was found guilty of attempted murder, felonious assault, conveyance of a deadly weapon in a school safety zone, inducing panic, and seven counts of kidnapping in connection with the incident. He was sentenced last week to 39.5-45 years in prison. Christian, who fully recovered and returned to work weeks after the incident, said Thursday's parade was "just a big thank you" to all who came to the school's assistance. "We wanted to thank all the first responders who came on Oct. 24," he said. "We wanted to thank them for the quick response and all the help they gave. They helped us a lot." He also expressed thanks for the school resource officers who have been posted in South Point schools since the incident, first from the South Point Police Department, then from the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, including Cody Pennington, who carries out the main duties of that position. Christian pointed out that it is National Police Week and that Thursday was also Police Memorial Day. In addition to showing their gratitude to first responders, students in the parade showed their appreciation for another they considered a hero. One class carried a sign, reading "Bill Christian Fan Club," while several children had others thanking Christian for protecting them during the incident. The last day of the school year for students in the South Point district will be Friday. You Might Like Education Meet the Class — Haylee Dancy Education Meet the class: Logan Scott Coffman Education Meet the Class — Gracie Webb Education Meet the Class — Open Door School
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
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The reigning reader
Mar. 29—Miss Ohio contestant visits South Point Elementary School SOUTH POINT — Every Friday, children are treated to a visitor from the community who helps to promote reading, South Point Elementary School principal Bill Christian said. During First Chapter Friday, guests visit the cafeteria during lunch and read the beginning of a selected book. But last week marked a first for First Chapter Friday — the author of a book was the guest. Olivia Fosson, who is from Kitts Hill, was runner up last year for Miss Ohio and is the current Miss Clayland. And, earlier this month, she published Rocky's Race, a children's book which is available on Amazon. On Friday, March 21, she visited the school, dressed in a spring-themed suit and wearing her crown and sash, to read to the book in its entirety to the children. Based on one of her pets, Fosson said the book is also themed to her platform. "I've been traveling Ohio, teaching kids self confidence and hoping to create positive body images," she said. She said the book teaches children nutrition and "how to listen to their bodies." Fosson said she will be making another go for Miss Ohio this year, at the pageant, which takes place on June 21 in Mansfield. She said the pageant is part of the Miss America organization, which has been around since 1921 and is the largest scholarship provider for women in the country. The pageant consists of a talent competition, as well as fitness, question and answer and evening gown categories, she said. Last year, Fosson won the overall talent competition in the Miss Ohio event, for her skills at opera. Fosson received her undergraduate degree in music from Oklahoma City University in 2023 and is currently pursuing a law degree from The Ohio State University. After reading her book, Fosson was stopped by several students, who complimented her and asked to take photos with her. She was also invited to draw the winning ticket in the school's Pointer Bucks raffle, with the prize being a signed Cincinnati Bengals jersey. The winning ticket for that prize went to student Callan Stover. After the lunch event, Fosson donated a signed copy of her book to the school's library.
